
Alas Arum is the largest silver workshop in Bali, and that matters in practical ways. You get open-air space, a wider range of materials, more instructors, and a setting with jungle and rice-terrace views. It's in Sukawati village, not far from Ubud. Classes cover 925 sterling silver, 18k and 22k gold, and gold-plating, for groups up to 50, with an on-site restaurant and bar plus a masterclass for advanced students.
Most silver classes in Bali run out of small storefront studios or narrow benches. Honestly, the scale at Alas Arum changes how the whole thing feels. You're not squeezed between strangers, and you don't wait around for a shared torch or tool. Because there's enough room for instructors to move between students, classes can go at a calmer pace. You get individual help without anyone crowding your bench.
Instead of shoulder-to-shoulder indoors, you work at open-air stations with tropical greenery and rice terraces around you. Natural light helps you see fine details on metal, and the open layout stays comfortable even when classes are full. A lot of students say the setting takes some pressure off learning. You can pause, look out at the landscape, and get back to your piece with clearer eyes.
The workshop can host 50 people at once, so it suits families, travel groups, team-building days, and private events. Smaller studios often cap out at four or six places. Alas Arum handles much larger groups without feeling packed. That's a practical reason people book it for birthdays, honeymoons, and corporate outings.
The material range at Alas Arum is one of the clearest differences. Honestly, most people overthink the metal choice. You're not stuck with one metal or one finish. The workshop supplies what you need for your chosen project, and instructors go over how each metal behaves before you begin.
Most beginner and intermediate sessions use 925 sterling silver as the core material. It's durable enough for daily wear, easy to shape with basic tools, and finishes well without advanced skills. In one session, you can saw, file, solder, texture, and polish silver into a finished ring, pendant, or small charm.
If you want a higher-value piece, you can take a class in 18k or 22k gold. Gold works differently than silver. It's softer, heavier, and needs careful heat control. Your instructor walks you through it so you leave with a finished gold ring, pendant, or small accessory. Gold classes often draw repeat students who have already made a silver piece and want to try something more precious.
If you like the look of gold but would rather work in silver, gold-plating classes let you apply a gold layer to a silver base. It's a practical route to two-tone designs or a warm finish on silver. It's also a good middle ground if you're not ready for solid gold but want to see how plating changes color and wear.
Alas Arum runs structured classes for complete beginners, returning students, and professional makers. You don't need any jewelry experience to join a standard session. Instructors check your comfort level and adjust the pace to match.
Beginner classes focus on one simple project, like a ring, pendant, or small charm. An instructor walks you through measuring, cutting, soldering, texturing, and polishing. You can often add a stamp, hammered texture, or simple stone setting to make it yours. For full details on available projects, see the brass class workshop page.
If you already have bench experience, the masterclass is built for you. It covers more complex work, including advanced soldering, stone setting, finishing, and design refinement. The open-air setting and wider tool access make it a sensible pick for experienced students who want to go past basic projects. Learn more about the masterclass program.
A full jewelry session takes time. At Alas Arum, you don't have to leave for lunch or coffee. The on-site restaurant and bar lets you take a break, eat, and get back to your bench without rushing. That helps if you're in a masterclass or booked for a longer session. Food and drinks on site also make the day feel less like a rushed tourist stop and more like a proper half-day or full-day workshop.
Alas Arum sits in Sukawati village, just outside Ubud. It's a short drive from central Ubud, and the location feels quieter and more open than most in-town studios. Sukawati is known for its art market and craft traditions, so the area fits a hands-on silver or gold class. You could pair a morning workshop with a stop at the local market or a drive through the rice fields.
The table below shows how scale and facilities play out when you're choosing a silver or gold class in Bali.
| Feature | Typical small Bali studio | Alas Arum |
|---|---|---|
| Workspace | Indoor, compact bench | Open-air, jungle and rice-terrace views |
| Class capacity | Usually 2–6 people | Up to 50 people |
| Materials | Mostly silver | 925 silver, 18k/22k gold, gold-plating |
| Skill levels | Beginner-focused | Beginner to advanced masterclass |
| On-site dining | Rare | Restaurant and bar on site |
No. Standard classes are made for complete beginners. An instructor walks you through each step, and you pick a project that fits your comfort level.
Silver classes use 925 sterling silver, the easiest metal for beginners. Gold classes use 18k or 22k gold, which needs more careful heat control but gives you a higher-value piece. Gold-plating classes start with a silver base and add a gold finish, so you get a two-tone or gold-look result at a lower material cost.
Most beginner sessions are designed to fit into a half day, breaks included. Masterclass sessions can run longer. Check the exact timing when you book, especially if you're planning around other Ubud activities.
Yes. With room for up to 50 people, Alas Arum is one of the few Bali workshops that can handle large groups, family gatherings, corporate team-building, or private celebrations. Contact the team ahead of time to arrange your group.
Many silver classes in Bali accept older children when an adult is with them. Ask about age suitability and project options when you book, since some tools and techniques need close supervision.
Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes if you have them. The workshop provides tools, safety gear, and materials for your project. If you have long hair, a hair tie helps, and bring a camera for the views.
Alas Arum has earned its reputation as the largest silver workshop in Bali through scale, material range, open-air design, and instruction depth. Whether you want a quick beginner ring, a gold piece, or an advanced masterclass, you get room to work, learn, and enjoy the process. Browse finished pieces in the gallery for inspiration, or contact the team to book your class today.